Going island-hopping in Iloilo and Guimaras

With over 7,100 islands, you are spoiled for choice in the Philippines when it comes to where to park your suitcase and frolic under the sun. The archipelago's landscape is literally dotted with ample strips of fine white sands that lead to the cool embrace of invigorating waters.

But while Boracay and Puerto Galera teem with crowds, the beaches of Iloilo and Guimaras in Western Visayas still have more than enough room for those who wish to enjoy their respite in relative peace.

Unassuming Iloilo takes time to really get to know. On the southeast portion of Panay Island, it might look like any other province, hot and humid, with jeepney-studded streets. Yet beyond the mundane, Iloilo is known for feeding both body and soul.

Soul tripping

A tour of Iloilo's historic churches is a visual treat. Perhaps most famous among them is the Miag-ao Church.

Constructed in the Baroque style, Miag-ao Church has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built to defend the town against marauders, the church's thick walls stretch along the Iloilo coast.

The Guimbal Church is made from adobe and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. Destroyed first during World War II and second during the 1948 earthquake, this church has undergone some reconstruction.

Exuding Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, the Molo Church is called the "women's church" because of the 16 images of women saints inside.

Food forays

The original batchoy was concocted in 1938 in the marketplace of La Paz town by an enterprising merchant named Federico Guillergan, Sr. Since then, the La Paz Batchoy—made with pork internal organs, crushed pork cracklings, beef loin, round noodles, and chicken stock—has evolved into what is now considered Iloilo's most popular soup. No visit to the capital city is complete without sampling this rich and flavorful soup, piping hot, rain or shine, in all weather conditions.

Another dish to be proud of is the Pancit Molo. Originating from the town of Molo, the dish's name is actually a misnomer, as it is not a dry pancit (noodles); rather, it contains chicken or pork dumplings dropped in broth.

Bischocho is "twice baked" bread topped with butter and sugar, perfect with coffee or hot chocolate.

The Mangoes of Guimaras

Then of course, there are the mangoes. But for that, a crossing to nearby Guimaras Island is most recommended. After all, Guimaras produces some of the best mangoes in the world, most valued and exported to many countries abroad. Fifteen minutes by pump boat from the Iloilo City wharf (P14 per person per trip) is Guimaras, home of the revered mango.

So sweet and succulent, these mangoes are served with pride to important visitors. In fact, Guimaras mangoes took their rightful place on the dessert menu at the recent state dinner in honor of US President Barack Obama.

Of the 14 strains of mangoes in the country, 10 may be found in Guimaras. The island is perfect for growing this fruit for several reasons, but particularly for its soil that is rich in lime that mango trees are so fond of.

Many mango-crazy folks have attempted to produce Guimaras mangoes outside of the island, but most of them have failed. Perhaps they should take not only mango seedlings, but Guimaras soil too.

Mangoes are so important to Guimaras that the Bureau of Plant Industry's National Mango Research and Development Center is firmly planted on the island. With its vision for a globally competitive mango industry, BPI-NMRDC functions as research, development, and extension, aiming for seed security.

Beach bumming

Bags full of ripe Guimaras mangoes on hand, it's time to head to the beach. At the Raymen Beach Resort, a picnic hut can be rented for P500 a day. Food can be brought in, or ordered from an in-house cafeteria that provides classic Pinoy dishes, Iloilo delicacies, and all manners of ice cold drinks.

The waters on this portion of Guimaras beach are calm and not too chilly. For safety's sake, buoys define swimming areas and underwater nets keep jellyfish and other sea creatures at bay. With lifeguards keeping vigilant watch, swimmers are assured of worry-free water fun; besides, the waters are not too deep.

When going island-hopping in the region, visitors can stay in Go Hotels, which hosted our trip. — VC, GMA News